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Societies

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Reducing intensity of appointments and introducing more casual support through activities was suggested by students across 60% of all Workshops, as well as Focus Groups. Student workshops also revealed students who identified as members of the BAME community, reported stigma around the services and the intensity that comes along with appointments as a barrier to access. Whilst some students may prefer this method, others feel that reducing the intensity and possibly starting with more general activities, such as wellbeing walks, may help to not only promote wellbeing to a wider outreach of students but may aid the accessing of wellbeing services by student groups at university who may typically reject engagement.

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The Student Minds report on mental health inequalities with international students, reported that certain language used and stigma was significant in students accessing wellbeing services, which was also reported by students from the BAME community within Focus Groups and Workshops. Including the importance of cultural sensitivity (i.e., reaching out to societies, culturally appropriate language used and awareness of students transitioning from one community and culture to accessing wellbeing services).

Student Minds. (2022). Understanding Student Mental Health Inequalities; International Students.

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"[Wellbeing Walks] are a chance to meet new people"

"Good to meet people and makes accessing the service less anxiety inducing too"

"Been nervous about it [accessing service] but staff are very friendly and welcoming!"

‘"..It’s been nice to get out and talk to the staff as they're super friendly and welcoming."

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The idea of ‘Casual Support’ was discussed in 60% of workshops that were held and all focus groups. It was communicated to us by students that a group or space within the Wellbeing Service that was more informal may be helpful in reducing barriers to accessing our support. Students from a BAME Community within the Focus Groups and Workshops discussed not having mental health being a part of their discussions in their communities, meaning it may be difficult to recognise symptoms of poor mental health, how to implement self-care and knowing when to get support

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‘Informal social support structures could be perceived as a viable alternative to accessing professional mental health services, particularly where there was an element of distrust within the community towards formal healthcare provision: “In the West Indian community […] people do not trust psychiatrists particularly […] in terms of where my family and friends would turn in experiences of bad mental health or whatever is towards family structures. Informal structures, friends.” (Male D. FG1).

Perceived barriers to accessing mental health services among black and minority ethnic (BME) communities: a qualitative study in Southeast England

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Location- Bridges to Wellbeing Drop-In sessions were run through booking The Pod space in the DMU Campus Centre

Time and Date in the academic year

Topics and resources for drop in sessions

The Bridges to Wellbeing Group Drop-in sessions included both DMU Wellbeing and NHS resources

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"[Drop-In] was an exciting and hope filled session"

"Session was beneficial. Not alone, have support and know where to get support"

"I am so happy to come there and discuss a lot about mental health and this session is immensely handy for me to move ahead in life"

"[The session] was happy to discuss what international students feel during their studies"

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link to booklet if possible (drafting with page added when digital resource updated).

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Link to Healthy DMU Hub- also linked on basecamp. Resources including the padlet for students and resources from the project will (possibly) be linked.